Sikandar Raza makes way in Zimbabwe test side vs England with English conditions in mind for the 4-day test.
Sikandar Raza is back in Zimbabwe’s Test squad for their one-off four-day Test against England, which is set to be played in Nottingham.
The all-rounder is back after missing the just finished two-Test series in Bangladesh and the February Bulawayo Test against Ireland due to franchise T20 obligations.
Raza takes Jonathan Campbell’s place in the 15-man team that toured Bangladesh, and Clive Madande makes a comeback from injury to take Nyasha Mayavo’s spot as Tafadzwa Tsiga’s backup wicketkeeper. Legspinner Vincent Masekesa, who took five wickets in his debut in Chattogram, was kept out of Zimbabwe’s lineup due to English conditions, while Newman Nyamhuri was added to bolster their seam attack.
“In terms of performance, I expect us to play to a standard that can compete with one of the best teams in the world,” Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons said. “I really want to see the guys walking out there believing that they belong, embracing and enjoying the moment.”
It will be Zimbabwe’s first Test match in England since 2003 and their first international match in the nation in any format since 2004. The Zimbabweans will also play a four-day match against the South Africans in Arundel from June 3–6 after the four-day Test.
Prior to the World Test Championship final against Australia, which is scheduled to take place at Lord’s from June 11 to 15, that game will act as preparation for South Africa.